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IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Don't Forget the Audience You Already Have

With all the frenetic buzzing around A-to-Z preparation, it struck me that I was forgetting one important factor: my current followers. Last year when I participated in the A-to-Z, I had two followers (no idea how they'd found me), so it wasn't an issue. I hadn't really established what I was even blogging about from day-to-day. I think I had three posts, total. This year, however, I'm approaching the A-to-Z with some actual followers and a fairly regular schedule.

While many of those followers were gained during last year's A-to-Z, not all of them were, which means putting my regular blogging schedule on hold isn't necessarily feasible (or the best thing to do). I'm in the A-to-Z to meet other bloggers and writers, as well as to challenge myself and have a good time; I'm not in it to lose the followers I currently have! As such, my plans have changed a bit on what I'll be posting during the A-to-Z. I can't forget the readers I already have, while reaching out to those who are new to me. My regular schedule will be worked into the theme of my A-to-Z posts to insure everyone is included.

So, as you plan (or not) what you'll be posting during the A-to-Z, consider taking a moment to figure out how to keep your current followers happy, as well, especially if there is a theme or meme that draws a lot of readers your way on any given day. You want to include them in the fun!

I was fortunate so many of my blogger buddies participated last year, but I made a special effort not to ignore the ones who didn't. That's why if you have a large following, visiting everyone on the A to Z list during the month isn't going to happen if you're still visiting your regulars.

It's a good point, Shannon. I have a question - when should you reveal your theme? Well in advance so you can get a feel of whether people will enjoy the posts? Or use the element of surprise and unveil all on April 1st?

I plan to incorporate my regular blogging schedule or routine into the A to Z challenge, merging the two where possible so I can prevent any disruptions to the natural flow of my blog, thus not alienating my current and regular readers.

It is very important for bloggers to not get so wrapped up in participating on A to Z or ANY blogging event, that they focus more or all of their attention on the readers they find from the challenge and neglect the readers that they already had.

Finding a balance between the two is key. Its probably best just to blog as normal and keep the attention on the regular readers, while being introduced to the new readers and getting into the swing of things with them....kind of like teaching a classroom full of students and receiving a new transfer student in the middle of the school year. You can't ignore all of the other students just because you have this new student, lol.

Lee, definitely. I just want to keep those not participating in mind, too, and make it fun for everyone.

Tina, I think I'm just guilty of neglecting everything right now!!

Alex, so true. I didn't even have a big following (or any, to be precise) and didn't make it through during the actual challenge.

Matthew, I think that's a great point.

Nick, that's a good question. I think it entirely depends upon how you want to do it. Will it be fun and exciting to bring people in on it (for instance, Damyanti solicits help from her followers to help pick prompts for her) or will it be more fun (or easier) to just spring it on them when it's time?

Oceangirl, I think that's important.

Lynda, that's great! I'm betting you'd now if it hadn't worked.

Karen, I can definitely see where it would be fun just to be a reader in the A to Z, and probably a great thing for someone who isn't sure they could do it to get encouraged.

Nicole, all true and well said. How many times have you done the A to Z? Balance is definitely important.

Hi Shannon - how right you are .. my last year's theme didn't really change things ... but I followed the A - Z with a theme; this year I plan to do the same - so absolutely not forgetting my present wonderful followers and commenters .. they're the essentials for blogging ..